T.V. Antennas For Travelling.
Submitted: Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 14:49
ThreadID:
53740
Views:
7229
Replies:
4
FollowUps:
6
This Thread has been Archived
Member - Fred G (NSW)
Just wanting any advice from members who may have experience with the Fold Away
TV antenna, the one that looks like poly pipe in the shape of a V on a pole as advertised at www.foldawayantenna.com.au.
Looking to fit one to the new Jayco, but only if it works as claimed
Cheers all.
Reply By: Notso - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 14:56
Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 14:56
They all work and a lot depends on how good your connections between the antenna and the TV in van are.
It is also a good idea to buy a good quality antenna amplifier.
We have just been on a roving rally with 7 other vans with a variety of different types of antenna. The Wingard and the type you are looking at are probably the most common. We could all receive TV in most spots we stayed.
The big difference was whetherthe van was fitted with an amplifier or not.
AnswerID:
282894
Follow Up By: Member - Fred G (NSW) - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 15:10
Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 15:10
Thanks Notso...My previous van had a VHF/UHF antenna that I just raised or lowered for travel...worked brilliantly any where without an amp, just a bit bulky and and unsightly. Happy to go that way again, but looking at this option seeing I am starting from scratch, for roughly the same cost.
FollowupID:
547403
Follow Up By: Member - Derek L (QLD) - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 21:34
Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 21:34
Fred G,
Omni directional on a extendable pool cleaning pile with a good strong clamp from Bunnings cheap and very effective.
Derek.
FollowupID:
547545
Reply By: kcandco - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 16:38
Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 16:38
Hi Fred G
I have one of these and have found it ok in city areas but when moving further out have difficulty obtaining a decent reception. This applies equally to a analogue and digital tv. I have not however used an amplifier and after reading the other comments am curious as to how much this improves the reception capabilities. I am actually in the process of looking around for a different setup, but am now tempted to try an amp with this first. How much are they asking for these antenna? From what I have been able to find a decent amp (Kingray MHW34GLV???) is around $100. The Digimatch antenna from Dick Smith (L4024) seems to get a good rap at about $70. I have been told the Saturn omnidirectional antennas are very good at about $400 but have read elsewhere that the omnidirectonal antennas are no good!!!! Confusion reigns. If you find a good source of info please post it here as it sounds like there are a lot of people out there asking the same question including myself.
regards Kc
AnswerID:
282908
Follow Up By: Member - Fred G (NSW) - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 17:53
Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 17:53
Hi kc, if you go to their website as in my post, I think the basic antenna is about $150 and they also offer an amp for about $115.
A friend of
mine bought an omni directional prior to heading
Newcastle to
Karratha via the coast (around the bottom), and one day someone will find his in a paddock somewhere along the road where he threw it.
I suppose once we're out of range, the "Ministeress for Finances" can always stick a dvd on. (Except in the footy season)
Happy viewing
FollowupID:
547438
Follow Up By: Member - Fred G (NSW) - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 17:55
Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 17:55
Thank god for the ABC in the footy season....:-)))
FollowupID:
547439
Follow Up By: kcandco - Saturday, Jan 26, 2008 at 20:30
Saturday, Jan 26, 2008 at 20:30
Hi Fred G
do a search on ebay aust . Put in "caravan antenna" as your search and you find what looks like one of these antenna for $10 at the moment.
regards Kc
FollowupID:
548580
Reply By: stevie1947 - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 23:31
Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 23:31
Hi. Just got back from a 8 month trip around
the block. Started with a Dick Smith antenna which proved useless away from the cities. Took advice from a long time caravanner who said to get an "Explorer" brand which cost me $250 and we had very good reception in most areas around OZ. They have an inbuilt amplifier. There is a dearer model also at about the $350 mark. Highly recommend.
Small in size and versatile when combined with a
pool extention pole.
Good luck.
AnswerID:
283033
Follow Up By: Dunco (NSW) - Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008 at 00:19
Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008 at 00:19
I have a Digimatch from Dick Smith's and find it very good.
You must understand that most towns have TV, but some are in fringe areas and it will be hard to get a GOOD picture. I have been in
places that it is impossible, so I now have
satellite TV which is excellent 100% of the time
And I don't believe in paying the extra for amplifier...but my opinion only. Others swear by them.
FollowupID:
547610
Reply By: AdlelaideGeorge - Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008 at 08:01
Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008 at 08:01
I got one of these from Jaycar-used in on the boat and in remote areas - it's brilliant -
check it out.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
CAT. NO. LT3170 RRP $49.95
12V Active Colour Antenna UHF/VHF/FM
Ideal for caravans, cars camping and houses without 240VAC mains.
The antenna contains a built-in amplifier that operates from 12VDC. It can be powered from the vehicles battery and/or use it at
home with the optional AC mains adaptor (MP3002). The antenna has telescopic dipoles at the rear for fine-tuning your reception, while the amplifier has a built in splitter for a second
TV antenna. Supplied with a 6M coaxial lead with plugs, and a 12V power lead.
Specifications:
22-24dB gain
12VDC 100mA power source, 340(W) x 375(L) x 55(D)mm size.
QTY
1+ $49.95
2+ $44.90
5+ $39.90
AnswerID:
283052